John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I welcome our witnesses from the ESRI, Professor Alan Barrett, director, and Professor Kieran McQuinn, research professor and head of economic analysis. They will be dealing with Ireland's economic and fiscal position.

I wish to bring to the attention of the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person either inside or outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Professor Barrett to make his opening comments.